Mrs. Peacock. In the Library. With the candlestick. Or is it Professor Plum, in the Ballroom, with the rope?
Board games have long been a source of entertainment and intellectual challenge, but few have achieved the level of enduring popularity as the timeless classic, Clue. Originally created by Anthony E. Pratt in 1944, Clue was named the 5th best selling board game in America according to the Baltimore Sun in 2023.
At the heart of the game of Clue lies its appealing gameplay, which combines deductive reasoning, strategy, and an element of luck. Set in an English country house in the midst of a murder mystery, players assume the roles of various suspects, each with their own distinctive personalities and motives. The objective is to solve the mystery by deducing the murderer, the murder weapon, and the location of the crime. With multiple suspects, weapons, and rooms, the game provides an almost infinite number of combinations, ensuring that no two games are ever the same.
The success of Clue as a board game naturally led to its adaptation into various forms of entertainment media, including books, movies, and television shows. However, one of the most noteworthy adaptations is its transition to the stage, which faithfully recreates the suspenseful atmosphere of the board game. The setting remains the same—an English country house—and the characters embody their iconic personalities, from the shrewd Miss Scarlet to the bumbling Colonel Mustard. The audience gets immersed in the mystery as they join the characters in their quest to solve the crime.
Clue, with timeless intrigue and appeal, has solidified its status as a beloved classic that continues to entertain audiences across generations. Its successful transition from the tabletop to the stage further highlights its versatility and enduring charm. Whether on the board or in the theater, Clue remains a captivating experience that keeps audiences guessing.
“I am delighted that Clue is embarking upon a National Tour,” Playwright Sandy Rustin says. “To
play a small part in bringing laughter and fun to audiences, after such a challenging couple of years, is my total joy. I hope that the tour of this play leaves a trail of happy people across the country. Because Clue
premiered at Cleveland Playhouse, it’s only fitting that it would find its way back to Ohio! I hope Cincinnati audiences have a great time at the theatre!”
About the Show
Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the cult 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
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